1. Has a volunteer activity impacted the success of your career?
Answer by Tanisha Price-Johnson: I’m a member of an alumni group that is dear to my heart. Securing scholarships of first generation students is one target of this group. Working with that group has helped me build relationships within the university and outside the university. And then I’m also part of an organization that works with young girls ages 10 to 16 and we talk about academic preparation and social etiquette. We are role models for young women who don’t necessarily have that influence in their lives. I think, being a part of your community helps amplify what it is that you do in your career; especially if that is something you truly enjoy.
Answer by Mike Proctor: You have to be connected to the community. The university is a big part of Tucson’s identity. We’re kind of like an overgrown college town for better or for worse, but there are a lot of pluses to that. I have been very involved in the community. It’s a great place to live; very vibrant, diverse, unique community with tremendous opportunities. This certainly enriches you, your professional experience and your connections. From a work perspective, it also advances the university. So, get out there!
2. What are some of the qualities that one would look for in a mentor and how would you go about finding people that can help you by giving you critical advice?
Answer by Soyeon Shim: You learn great qualities from working with people. Certainly, there are defining moments like my own experience when my dean sent me to leadership workshops. These are certainly great opportunities that will help you in your career. But don’t wait for a mentor to come to you. You should seek your mentors.
3. How do you become adept at understanding office politics and helping it to advance your career?
Answer by Mike Proctor: Just be open and honest about what you are thinking and what your role is; diplomatically expressed. Make your point openly, honestly and consistently. That way people know where you stand. Lincoln said: "Nobody has a good enough memory to be a consistent liar." If you hold true and don’t try to play the gamesmanship, it’s always going to work out. Maybe not exactly the way you expected it.
Answer by Tanisha Price-Johnson: Sometimes when you are stepping into a new environment you need to do some fact finding. Just ask around and talk with others. This is not so much to create some kind of judgment but just so you have that background information. When you are approached about something you are not giving incorrect information and you are not biased. Rather you are equipped and you understand what is going on and how you can contribute. You can’t just go into a new situation and change the world. But you can identify ways to help facilitate office and university politics.
Answer by Michelle Perez: There will always be issues. There will always be baggage. If you understand this to be true and if you are able to keep all the obtained information in a mental rolodex, then you can create your own experiences. Just because your colleagues have a poor relationship or had a bad experience with someone does not mean that you will experience the same thing.
Also try to understand the source of your own motivation for your behavior. Is it the success of your initiative or the program or is it for personal advancement? Based on your own motivation you interact differently.
Answer by Paul R. Portney: A good rule in politics and interpersonal relationships is to treat other people the way you would like to be treated. You see the same people on the way down as on the way up. If you treat people the way you would like to be treated, they’ll remember it when they are in a position of authority.
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